1856 1C Flying Eagle S-1 PR64 Certification #21531550, PCGS #148710

1856 1C, PR64 PCGS CAC EEPS, Snow-1 Die Variety. Provenance: Ex Fore and Wright. This remarkable 1856 Flying Eagle cent is the finest known example of the very rare Snow-1 die (with only twelve known). The Snow-1 and Snow-3 die varieties hold a significant place in American numismatic history. Coins struck from these dies represent the "Original Striking" of 1856 Flying Eagles, the very pieces presented to key U.S. leaders, including members of Congress and the President, to advocate for the passage of the pivotal Small Cents Act of 1857 (Snow-5s may also have been part of the Original striking). The Snow-1s were the very first of these Originals struck! The Snow-1 die exhibits a subtle yet distinctive characteristic: the inscription "ONE CENT" on the reverse is tilted slightly clockwise. This was likely an error noticed by the Mint shortly after production began, resulting in a very limited number of these unique coins. While the tilt might be easily overlooked, it becomes apparent when examining the reverse leaves near the letters "C" and "T" of "CENT." On Snow-1 coins, the leaf near the "C" appears lower relative to the letter, while the leaf near the "T" appears higher. This contrasts with the Snow-3 variety, where the positioning of these leaves is reversed. This Proof-64 specimen, with its unparalleled quality and the unique Snow-1 die characteristic, offers a rare glimpse into the initial stages of striking the coins that played a crucial role in shaping America's small-denomination currency. Its CAC endorsement underscores its exceptional quality and desirability within this scarce and historically important variety.

Jaime Hernandez

The 1856 Proof indian Cent with the Snow 1 variety is really scarce. Less than a dozen examples are beleived to exist. The reverse of the coin has slight differences from a regular 1856 Proof indian Cent. In the words "One Cent' on the reverse, they are slightly tilted compared to other 1856 Proof Indian Cents. Other differences are also fairly prominent that they can be distinguished with the naked eye.